San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Art. IV Sign Standards

The sign area is calculated by determining the periphery of the sign. The periphery of the sign shall be established by drawing no more than eight straight lines encompassing the limits of the sign within the smallest possible area. In determining the area of an individual sign that has more than one face (e.g., a monument or projecting sign), the single sign face with the greatest area shall be used. The total sign area is the sum of all individual sign areas. Sign area does not include supporting structures, such as sign bases and columns without lettering or graphics.

The height of a sign shall be measured from the ground, adjacent to the sign, to the top of the sign and support structure. If the ground under the sign slopes, the height shall be measured from the average grade under the sign itself. (Ord. 1667 § 3(2) (Exh. A), 2019)

Except as provided in these sign regulations, sign location shall conform with setbacks established in the zoning regulations.

A. Signs taller than three feet may not be located within the visibility triangle depicted below. Minor exceptions may be granted for controlled intersections if approved by both the public works director and community development director, if a finding is made that the proposed sign will not affect the line of sight of vehicles or pedestrians at the intersection.

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B. With public works director approval, traffic directional signs may be placed in the required setback, providing they do not interfere with visibility required for safe vehicular and pedestrian circulation, especially at street corners.

C. With public works director and community development director approval, signs may be located in the required setback area, provided they are outside of the visibility triangle and provide adequate site distance for driveways.

D. The community development director may approve reduced setbacks for signs, provided the public works director concurs the sign does not interfere with visibility required for safe vehicular and pedestrian circulation and provided that the sign is architecturally compatible with the proposed location. (Ord. 1667 § 3(2) (Exh. A), 2019)

The maximum height of any sign is as provided for each sign type specifically identified in this chapter in Section 15.40.470, or with sign program approval or by exception as provided in Sections 15.40.485 and 15.40.600 respectively.

All signs that are attached to a building must be located on a building face that has a public entrance. The community development director may make exceptions to this requirement in circumstances where the purpose and intent of these regulations is maintained and where the orientation of the public entrance to a building is such that the sign would not have sufficient visibility from the public right-of-way to provide for adequate identification of the business or use.

The community development director may make exceptions to the prohibition of roof signs in circumstances where the sign does not extend above the roofline, the building lacks an architectural feature to locate a sign, or other special circumstances. (Ord. 1667 § 3(2) (Exh. A), 2019)

Where illumination of signs is permitted, the following standards shall apply:

A. Lighting for signs shall not create a hazardous glare for pedestrians or vehicles either in a public street or on any private premises.

B. The light source, whether internal to the sign or external, shall be shielded from view. This requirement is not intended to preclude the use of diffused exposed neon, LED, or similar technology.

C. Sign illumination for externally illuminated signs shall utilize focused light fixtures that do not allow light or glare to shine above the horizontal plane of the top of the sign and to limit direct illumination of any object other than the sign or onto any public right-of-way or adjoining property.

D. Each sign shall be designed so that illumination does not exceed one hundred luxes (ten foot-candles) measured at a distance of ten feet from the sign.

E. In the office zone, illumination of the sign face shall not exceed ten luxes (one foot-candle) measured at a distance of ten feet from the sign.

F. Signs located in residential zones may not be illuminated, except externally illuminated directory signs approved for residential projects, which shall not exceed ten luxes (one foot-candle) measured at a distance of ten feet from the sign.

G. Internally illuminated cabinet signs are prohibited in the downtown commercial (C-D) zone and allowed in other zoning districts in compliance with the design principles.

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Encouraged

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Discouraged

Internally illuminated cabinet signs consist of frame and face(s) with a translucent message panel. Signs with a backing or case of opaque material with punch through letters so only the letters or business symbol are illuminated are not classified as internally illuminated cabinet signs.

H. Signs in the Downtown (C-D Zone). Signs in the downtown (C-D zone) may only use external illumination, halo backlighting, push through, neon, channel letters, or LED tubing with a similar appearance and brightness level which simulates neon.

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Channel Letter Signs

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Backlit (Halo) Signs

All signs with internal illumination including monument signs, walls signs, projecting signs and pole signs shall have opaque only lettering illuminated, subject to compliance with the standards in subsections E, F, and G of this section. (Ord. 1667 § 3(2) (Exh. A), 2019)

Where permitted, awning, projecting, marquee, and suspended signs shall conform to the following requirements:

A. Vertical Clearance. The minimum clearance between the lowest point of a sign and the grade immediately below shall be eight feet for public right-of-way and private sidewalk areas.

B. Horizontal Clearance. The minimum horizontal clearance between a sign and the curb line shall be two feet; the maximum projection over a public sidewalk shall be two-thirds the width of the sidewalk or six feet, whichever is less. (Ord. 1667 § 3(2) (Exh. A), 2019)

The following standards shall be applied in each of the city’s zoning districts, notwithstanding the standards for each sign type established by Section 15.40.470 or the design principles established by Section 15.40.480. In no case may the maximum number or size of signs, or their illumination levels, exceed the standards provided by this section, unless approved through a sign program or exception as provided by Section 15.40.485 or 15.40.600.

A. The cumulative area and number of signs requirements provided in Sections 15.40.460 and 15.40.470 summarized in this table represent maximum standards for signs which conform to the requirements for each sign type in Section 15.40.470 and design principles of Section 15.40.480.

(Ord. 1667 § 3(2) (Exh. A), 2019)

This section is intended to be used in conjunction with other standards contained in these sign regulations. Signs shall also comply with Section 15.40.430, Illumination. Each sign type shall also comply with design standards Section 15.40.480 in addition to design and quality requirements within the sign standards for each sign type within this section.

A. Wall Signs.

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Signage Guidelines

Wall signs include most types of signage that are attached to the face of a building wall. These include channel letters made out of wood, metal or plastic. Wall signs may be painted on a wall, or on a board that is attached to a wall. Wall signs should be oriented to achieve balanced composition and harmony with other architectural elements of a building facade. Wall signs should be placed on a flat building surface and should not be placed over or otherwise obscure architectural building features.

1. Location and Number Permitted. Wall signs shall be located on a building face that has a public entrance (unless allowed, Section 15.40.420). One wall sign is permitted per wall face for each occupant, with up to two per occupant space where conditions of Section 15.40.420 are applicable. The maximum height of wall signs on multi-story buildings is the uppermost point of the second story unless additional height is approved through a sign program or exception as provided in Sections 15.40.485 and 15.40.600.

2. Size. Wall signs may be a maximum of one hundred square feet or fifteen percent of the building face where the sign is attached, whichever is less. Wall signs shall not exceed maximum cumulative areas of Section 15.40.460. The building face area is determined by multiplying the length of the linear frontage of the tenant space or building by the average height of the tenant space or building.

3. Illumination. Wall signs may be illuminated externally or internally consistent with Section 15.40.430 and the design standards set forth in subsection (A)(4) of this section.

4. Design. Internally illuminated cabinet signs are prohibited in the downtown commercial district. Examples of allowed internally illuminated signs include backlighting, halo, or neon lit letters or emblems, channel letters, or logos. All wall signs shall consist of high-quality installations using a direct or flush mount without exposed wiring, raceways, or other stabilizing devices or mounts including backer mounts. Attachments shall be hidden from view in the least destructive manner possible. For masonry, attachments should be embedded into the mortar, not the brick or stone. Except as allowed herein, materials such as foam, poster board, or flat plastic which are usually associated with temporary signage are not appropriate.

a. Balance and Proportion. Wall signs shall appear balanced and in proportion and scale with the building elevations which they are placed, and not obscure windows, or overwhelm architectural features such as pilasters and cornices (see examples shown below).

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b. Material. Unless approved as a temporary sign, wall signs shall not consist of materials such as foam, poster board, or flat plastic which are usually associated with temporary signage (see examples below).

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5. Zoning. Wall signs are allowed in all zoning districts.

B. Window Signs.

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Signage Guidelines

Window signs should be scaled to the pedestrian and oriented to window shoppers on the sidewalk, as opposed to vehicles passing by. Window signs should be limited to small graphics and text that serve to frame a window or to provide information. A window sign should not obscure the view into a store or place of business.

1. Location and Number. There is no specific location requirement or limit to the number of window signs allowed. Window signs are located within thirty-six inches of the face of a window. Window displays, including merchandise displays, graphics and text, that are located more than thirty-six inches from the face of a window are not considered signs.

2. Size. Window signs are limited to a maximum of twenty-four square feet or fifteen percent of the window area, whichever is less.

3. Illumination. Window signs may be illuminated by any means consistent with Section 15.40.430.

4. Zoning. Window signs are allowed in all commercial zoning districts.

C. Awning Signs.

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Signage Guidelines

Signs on awnings should be minimized and are only appropriate if there are no good alternatives for wall signs, projecting signs or hanging and suspended signs. Signage should be limited to the skirt of the awning and should not be on the awning face. Signs should only be considered for the awning face if there is no other adequate location for signage on a given storefront or property.

1. Location and Number. Signs may be located on awnings subject to size criteria. One awning sign is permitted per tenant space and must maintain a minimum vertical and horizontal clearance requirement of Section 15.40.440.

2. Size. Signs on awnings shall not cover more than twenty-five percent of the main area of the awning, or exceed twenty-five square feet in size, whichever is smaller.

3. Illumination. Awning signs may be externally illuminated consistent with Section 15.40.430. Backlit, translucent awning signs are prohibited.

4. Design. Graphics, logos, and signage language should have a quality integrated appearance and signage shall not be added to existing awnings with adhesive applications or other means of attaching a sign to the awning material. The awning material should incorporate a durable sign design and consist of long-lasting materials such as canvas or another durable outdoor fabric material.

5. Zoning. Awning signs may be located in all commercial zones.

D. Projecting Signs.

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Signage Guidelines

Projecting signs are attached to a building face and project out perpendicular to the building wall. Projecting signs are very effective when oriented to pedestrians on the sidewalk level. Appropriate materials include wood and metal with carved or applied lettering, or any other material that is architecturally compatible with the building that the sign is attached to. Multiple projecting signs should not be installed within ten feet of each other if on the same property and should be separated from projecting signs on adjacent properties by ten feet to ensure proper visibility.

1. Location and Number. Projecting signs must be attached to building facades that have a public entrance and must maintain minimum vertical and horizontal clearance requirements of Section 15.40.440. One projecting sign is allowed per tenant space. Multiple projecting signs shall not be installed within ten feet of each other if on the same property and shall be separated from projecting signs on adjacent properties or tenant spaces by ten feet to ensure proper visibility.

2. Size. Projecting signs may have the following maximum areas:

Office (O) zone: six feet.

Neighborhood commercial (C-N) zone: twelve square feet.

Downtown commercial (C-D) zone: twelve square feet.

Community commercial (C-C) zone: twelve square feet.

Retail commercial (C-R) zone: twenty-four square feet.

Tourist commercial (C-T) zone: twenty-four square feet.

3. Illumination. Projecting signs may be illuminated by any means consistent with Section 15.40.430.

4. Design. Projecting signs shall attach to a building face and project out perpendicular to the building wall. Projecting signs are encouraged as an effective pedestrian scale sign. Appropriate materials include wood and metal with carved or applied lettering, or any other material that is architecturally compatible with the building that the sign is attached. Materials such as foam, poster board, or flat plastic which are usually associated with temporary signage are not appropriate.

5. Zoning. Projecting signs are allowed in the O, C-N, C-D, C-C, C-R and C-T zoning districts only.

E. Hanging and Suspended Signs.

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Signage Guidelines

Hanging signs, or suspended signs, are used to help define entries and identify business names to pedestrians. They are small and can hang over a building entry if the appropriate clearance is provided. Hanging signs can be particularly useful for storefronts that have multiple tenants.

1. Location and Number. Hanging or suspended signs shall be attached to building facades that have a public entrance and must maintain minimum vertical and horizontal clearance requirements of Section 15.40.440. One hanging or suspended sign is allowed per tenant space.

2. Size. Hanging signs may have a maximum area of eight square feet.

3. Illumination. Hanging signs and suspended signs may be externally illuminated consistent with Section 15.40.430.

4. Design. Hanging and suspended signs are intended as pedestrian scale signs used to help define entries. Materials shall be durable and made of quality materials such as wood or metal to convey a sense of quality and permanence. Materials such as foam, poster board, or flat plastic which are usually associated with temporary signage are prohibited.

5. Zoning. Hanging and suspended signs are allowed in all zoning districts.

F. Monument Signs.

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Signage Guidelines

Monument signs are typically used where building setbacks, orientation or design make it difficult to provide other types of signage, such as wall signs, that are plainly visible to people that are trying to identify a use. Monument signs have a solid base that the sign face is installed upon. These signs should be designed so that the style of the sign and its base are consistent with the architecture of the buildings on the site. They are typically oriented perpendicular to the adjacent street and sidewalk and have a maximum of two parallel sign faces. Monument signs provide opportunities for landscaping to enhance their appearance.

1. Location and Number Permitted. Monument signs may be located in required street yards in all commercial districts and the public facility (PF) zone, subject to the approval of the community development and public works directors, as provided for in Section 15.40.410. Only one monument sign is permitted per premises, per street frontage.

2. Size and Height. Monument signs may be a maximum of twenty-four square feet. The maximum height of a monument sign is six feet from the average natural grade at the base of the sign. In the C-R (retail commercial) and C-D (downtown commercial) zoning districts, the maximum size of a monument sign is twelve square feet and the maximum height is four feet. Where two or more uses are located on the same premises, the sign area for monument signs must be shared. The largest single sign face is used to calculate the area of monument signs.

3. Illumination. If illumination of monument signs is desired, then external illumination or halo lighting is preferred. Internally illuminated monument signs downtown shall be consistent with Section 15.40.430. Internal illumination of monument signs as shown below are not allowed in the office (O) or neighborhood commercial (C-N) zone.

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4. Design. Monument signs shall be designed to be compatible with the architecture of the buildings on site with a solid base and background with a maximum of two parallel sides. Materials should be durable and made of quality materials such as wood or metal to convey a sense of quality and permanence. Materials such as foam, poster board, or flat plastic which are usually associated with temporary signage are not permitted.

G. Freestanding Post Signs.

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Signage Guidelines

Freestanding post signs are primarily used to identify office uses, especially where a former residence has been converted into an office. They are similar to monument signs, except they do not have a base other than the support posts, they usually have a single sign face, and they are usually oriented parallel to the sidewalk instead of perpendicular. The colors and materials used for the sign must be compatible with the associated building design. Lettering should be carved, routed or applied as opposed to painted on a flat board.

1. Location and Number. Freestanding post signs may be located in required street yards, subject to the approval of the community development and public works directors, as provided for in Section 15.40.410. Only one freestanding post sign is permitted per premises, per street frontage.

2. Size and Height. The maximum sign area for freestanding post signs is twenty square feet. Freestanding post signs shall not be taller than six feet, measured from average natural grade at the base of the sign to the top of the sign structure. Where two or more uses are located on the same premises, the sign area for freestanding post signs must be shared.

3. Illumination. Freestanding post signs may be externally illuminated consistent with Section 15.40.430.

4. Design. Colors and materials used for the sign construction shall include complementary colors and materials with the associated building design and the size and scale of the signs shall not detract or be out of character with the surrounding neighborhood. Materials should be durable and made of quality materials such as wood or metal to convey a sense of quality and permanence. Materials such as foam, poster board, or flat plastic which are usually associated with temporary signage are not permitted.

5. Zoning. Freestanding post signs are allowed in all zoning districts.

H. Pole and Pylon Signs.

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Signage Guidelines

Pole signs are primarily intended to communicate with people in automobiles. The sign structure is typically located on a single pole, but other types of supports may be used.

1. Location and Number. Pole and pylon signs may be located along arterial streets and must not impact the line of sight of people in cars to pedestrians or other vehicles in the street right-of-way. They must be located outside of required yard or setback areas, unless an exception is approved by the director during review of the sign design, as provided for by Section 15.40.410. One pole sign is permitted per premises along an arterial street frontage.

2. Size. Pole signs may have a maximum height of sixteen feet and a maximum area of seventy-two square feet measured from the average natural grade of the ground immediately beneath the sign. Where two or more uses are located on the same premises, the sign area for pole signs must be shared on a single sign.

3. Illumination. Pole signs may be illuminated by any means consistent with Section 15.40.430, and subject to approval by the director of the lighting design.

4. Design. Colors and materials used for the sign construction shall include complementary colors and materials with the associated building design.

5. Zoning. Pole signs are allowed in the C-R (retail commercial), C-S (service commercial) and C-T (tourist commercial) zones only along designated arterial routes as identified in the circulation element of the general plan, subject to the approval of the director.

I. A-Frame (Sandwich-Board) Signs.

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Signage Guidelines

Sandwich-board signs can be effective for certain types of uses, such as markets, restaurants or bakeries that have changing specials and menus. These signs may have rewritable surfaces, such as chalk boards or dry-erase boards.

1. Location and Number. A-frame (sandwich-board) signs are prohibited in the public right-of-way and must be placed on private property. Sandwich-board signs may be located in required street yards for any given zone, subject to the approval of the community development director, as provided for in Section 15.40.410. They may be placed in a front yard or in a foyer, portico, or other building entry provided they do not interfere with pedestrian ingress or egress as required by the building code. Only one sandwich-board sign is permitted per tenant space.

2. Size. Sandwich-board signs may have a maximum area of eight square feet and a maximum height of four feet, measured from the ground to the top of the sign structure.

3. Illumination. Sandwich-board signs may not be illuminated.

4. Design. Signs must be made of durable materials designed to withstand exterior conditions such as smooth particle board, medium density fiberboard, or plywood.

5. Zoning. Sandwich-board signs are allowed in all commercial zones.

J. Shopping Center (or Multi-Tenant) Identification Signs.

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Signage Guidelines

Shopping center identification signs should be compatible with the design theme of the development. They may identify multiple tenants, but larger shopping centers with more than five tenants should avoid listing individual tenants, other than the project anchors, to avoid sign clutter. The sign structure should contain elements of the design theme of the buildings in the center.

1. Location and Number. One shopping center identification sign may be located on each major street frontage of a development subject to approval of the director.

2. Size. Shopping center identification signs for new developments shall be reviewed as part of the development application consistent with Section 15.40.485, Sign programs.

3. Illumination. Shopping center identification signs may be illuminated consistent with Section 15.40.430. Shopping center identification signs shall not incorporate internally illuminated cabinet signs.

4. Design. Shopping center identification signs shall be compatible with the colors, materials, and design theme of the development. Multi-tenant centers with more than five tenants shall only list the main anchor tenants with no more than five listed. Multi-tenant signs which list an excessive number of individual tenants can result in sign clutter.

5. Zoning. Shopping center identification signs shall only be permitted in the C-S, C-C or C-R zoning districts.

K. Flags.

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1. Location and Number. Flagpoles shall be located outside of required setback areas. Only one flagpole is permitted per premises. Flagpoles consistent with this section and Section 15.40.200(K) do not require a sign permit but may require building permits. In residential zoning districts wall-mounted flags which do not project above the roofline are exempt from permit requirements.

2. Size. The size (dimensions) of the flag shall be commensurate with the height and diameter of the pole, per recommended industry standards. The maximum height of the flag or pole which the flag is mounted to is the same as the maximum height for structures, as provided in the zoning regulations. Height and size standards for flags are shown in the table below:

3. Illumination. Flags may be illuminated by any means consistent with Section 15.40.430.

4. Zoning. Flags may be located in all zoning districts, subject to conformance with the above size and pole height criteria.

L. Directory Signs.

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Signage Guidelines

Directory signs are used for multi-tenant buildings to provide a directory of tenant locations within the building. They may also serve as the address sign for the property. Directory signs are small scale and are oriented to pedestrians.

1. Location and Number. Directory signs may be freestanding or may be fixed on an exterior wall if the building has no setback. One directory sign may be permitted per premises.

2. Size. Directory signs may be no larger than twelve square feet in area, and individual letters may not exceed six inches in height.

3. Illumination. Directory signs may be illuminated by any means consistent with Section 15.40.430.

4. Design. Directory signs are intended for multi-tenant buildings to provide visibility and guidance for pedestrians in locating tenant suites. Directory signs are small scale and oriented to pedestrians.

5. Zoning. Directory signs are allowed in all zoning districts. (Ord. 1667 § 3(2) (Exh. A), 2019)

In addition to meeting all criteria of Section 15.40.470, all signs shall be found consistent with the following design principles:

A. Architectural Compatibility. A sign’s scale shall be appropriate for the building on which it is placed and the area where it is located on the building. Signs shall integrate with the design of the building and incorporate materials, colors, and shapes that complement the building’s architectural style.

B. Scale, Proportions to Building and Placement. Signs shall be in scale with the building and not cover or obscure architectural details or ornamentation of a building’s facade. The outer perimeter of signs shall not extend beyond the limits of the architectural feature of the building on which it is installed and should include some separation to the edge of the feature.

C. Sign Quality and Installation Methods. Signs shall be made of durable materials designed to withstand the elements, such as wood or metal to convey a sense of quality and permanence. Unless approved as a temporary sign, signs shall not be made of plastic, plywood, or pressed board. Materials such as foam, poster board, or flat plastic which are usually associated with temporary signage are prohibited.

D. Community Design Guidelines. Signs are an integral review component of the community design guidelines. The community design guidelines has a specific chapter addressing signs including appropriate design, details, scale, location, consistency, types, illumination, and materials.

E. Historic Resources and Districts. Signs on historic buildings and/or in historic districts shall be compatible with the architectural character of the structure and not detract from the character of the resource or the district it is located in. Sign installations on historically designated buildings or which are eligible for historic listing shall comply with recommendations of the Secretary of Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

F. Residential Zones, C-N Zone, and Office Zone. Signs shall not include internal illumination of any type, or signs typically designed for internal illumination such as channel letters, marquees, or cabinets. Bases, framing, and sign mounting and presentation methods shall use materials that are compatible with the architecture of the building on the parcel which they are located. (Ord. 1667 § 3(2) (Exh. A), 2019)

Sign programs are required for new commercial, office, and/or mixed-use projects in order to establish ongoing sign requirements and to ensure the signage is complementary and compatible with the development and surrounding neighborhood or commercial district. Sign programs create a coordinated set of standards for signs on properties with multiple buildings or tenants and establish uniform sign design elements such as size, color, materials, lighting, and placement on the property. Applications for new commercial, office and/or mixed-use projects shall include schematic plans for signage sufficient to demonstrate signs will be compatible with the project and surroundings. Conditions of approval may require a subsequent final sign program submittal subject to the approval of the community development director. Modifications to sign programs may be referred to the ARC as determined by the director with final decision being made by the director. Sign programs may supersede sections of these sign regulations (Sections 15.40.460 and 15.40.470). The purpose of sign programs is to provide for project specific designs and sign accommodations that take into account compatible and appropriate signage which can be reviewed concurrently with the review of building designs and site layout. Sign programs are not intended to primarily provide for additional signage than would otherwise be allowed and may not provide for approval of otherwise prohibited sign types. In order to approve a sign program, the community development director shall make findings that the sign program results in signage that is compatible with the development, complementary to project architecture, and coordinated among tenant spaces for consistency and superior design. Prior to submitting a sign permit application to the building division under a sign program, the program must have been approved and all appeal periods must have expired. (Ord. 1667 § 3(2) (Exh. A), 2019)